Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) is a method of harnessing our planet's own mechanisms to pull vast amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere, converting it into bicarbonates and carbonates that are ultimately washed away into the oceans, where they are stored for geological timescales.
In more detail, by dispersing finely ground silicate rocks, such as basalt and olivine, across large areas of soil, ERW accelerates the chemical reactions between these minerals and atmospheric CO2. This accelerated weathering process effectively captures and stores CO2 in stable, mineral forms – a method with significant carbon sequestration potential. Olivine – a magnesium iron silicate – is specifically known for its high reactivity with CO2. This mineral can weather quickly and is particularly effective at CO2 capture, making it an attractive option for rapid deployment.